GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Guildford Canal Walk

4 miles (6.5 km)

A nice waterside walk from Guildford to Godalming along the River Wey Navigation Canal. It's just over a four mile walk so ideal for an afternoon stroll.
The walk starts near the train station in Guildford, which is located very close to the canal. You then follow the Wey South Path south to Shalford and then Broadford, where you follow the canal branch to the right. You continue past Peasmarsh towards Broadwater where you will pass Broadwater Lake and cricket ground in Farncombe. The final section takes you past Lammas Lands into Godalming. Here you can catch the train back if you wish.
To extend your walking in the area you can try the Fox Way circular trail. It passes through Guildford and Godalming, taking you on a tour of the surrounding countryside, woodland and canals.
At Broadford you have the option of heading left along the Wey South Path and heading towards Cranleigh.

Guildford Canal Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Guildford Canal Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In the pretty village of Shalford you could visit the Seahorse pub for some refreshments on the route. There's a fine menu and an attractive outdoor space that’s ideal for a spot of al fresco dining when the sun makes a welcomed appearance. You can easily find it in the village at postcode GU4 8BU for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

In Shalford you could also stop to visit the historic Shalford Mill. The National Trust owned watermill dates from the 18th century and is well worth a visit if you have time after exploring the woods. You can enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the mill and find out all about the its place in the history of Shalford. There's even the opportunity to buy a bag of Shalford Mill flour afterwards.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

River Wey & Canal at Guildford

River Wey & Canal at Guildford

"Guildford Marina". - geograph.org.uk - 133864

Guildford Marina. Narrowboats on the Wey Navigation are available for hire from Guildford boathouse. The boats above are the Guildford Marquis, Sovereign and Baron. Flood water can be seen on the left where the River Wey parallels the Navigation here in the Wey Gap through the North Downs.

Godalming Wharf - geograph.org.uk - 511093

Godalming Wharf. Trade in Godalming was greatly enhanced when, in the spring of 1764, the Godalming Navigation was opened, connecting the town to the already existing Wey Navigation at Guildford. The Wharf became a hive of activity as bulk goods such as timber were loaded on to barges there. Although this commercial trade has now ended, Godalming Wharf is today the most southerly navigable point on the main canal and river network of England and is very popular with users of pleasure craft. 

Unstead Lock, Godalming Navigation - geograph.org.uk - 1419613

Unstead Lock, Godalming Navigation. The top of a narrow boat, in the lock, can just be glimpsed in this view. The lock is being filled with water to bring it to the level of the pound (stretch of canal between locks) seen in the foreground. This will enable the boat to enter the pound from the lock

St Catherine's Lock - geograph.org.uk - 3021919

St Catherine's Lock

Bend in the River Wey - geograph.org.uk - 1221234

Bend in the River Wey by Shalford Water Meadows. The near bank is protected by woven hazel or willow spiling.

Looking across Broadford - geograph.org.uk - 2192844

Looking across Broadford

River Wey (Godalming Navigation) - geograph.org.uk - 2065854

River Wey (Godalming Navigation)

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Guildford Canal Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Guildford Canal Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)